Authors : K.D. Oyeyemi, M.A. Oladunjoye, A.P. Aizebeokhai, P.G. Ajekigbe and B.A. Ogunfolakan
Abstract: Combined geophysical techniques have been used to delineate subsurface archaeological materials in Ile-Ife South-Western Nigeria. The magnetic survey comprises seven orthogonal profiles in N-S and E-W direction with station interval of 0.5 m. Orthogonal set of 2D electrical resistivity tomography data consisting of four parallel and three perpendicular profiles were collected using Wenner array with electrode spacing ranging from 0.5-3.0 m. The 3D inversion schemes applied on the collated 2D data set were based on non-linear least-square optimization technique. The results obtained show that regions of high magnetic intensities coincide with high model resistivity values. Trial pits carried out at these regions yield burnt pipes “TUYERE”, iron slag, iron smelting, charcoal specks, stone tools and pottery fragments (e.g., decorative potsherds, pot-rims and pot-lids). These recovered archaeological materials have further proven the study area to be an ancient iron smelting site within Ile-Ife. The research has also demonstrated that integrated geophysical techniques provide fast and cost effective tools in pre-excavation investigation of archaeological materials.
K.D. Oyeyemi, M.A. Oladunjoye, A.P. Aizebeokhai, P.G. Ajekigbe and B.A. Ogunfolakan, 2015. Integrated Geophysical Investigations for Imaging Archaeological Structures in Ancient Town of Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Information Technology, 14: 246-252.